LUCKNOW: Fresh revelations in the probe into the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module busted in Faridabad have exposed a sophisticated weapons procurement and explosive-manufacturing network involving arrested suspects Dr Muzammil, Dr Shaheen, Dr Adeel and Amir. Investigators said Muzammil purchased a Russian assault rifle for Rs 5 lakh through a contact linked to co-accused Dr Shaheen. The weapon was later recovered from a locker belonging to Dr Adeel, marking a breakthrough in mapping the module’s arms routes.
Another Russian-origin rifle, an AK Krinkov, along with a Chinese star pistol, a Beretta pistol and nearly 2,900 kg of explosive precursor material, was earlier seized in Faridabad.Also Read | Chilling revelation in Delhi car blast: AK-47 bought for more than Rs 5 lakh, deep freezer used for explosivesOfficials said Lucknow-based Dr Shaheen arranged for the Russian assault rifles and deep freezer—after discreet negotiations with suppliers to avoid suspicion—on Umar’s request and purchases were done by Muzzamil. The agencies are also tracking the suppliers. Overall, Rs 26 lakh was raised by the suspects, majority of the share through Shaheen. The freezer was allegedly used to store temperature-sensitive precursor chemicals essential for fabricating powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Forensic teams are examining the recovered samples to identify the compounds. Intelligence sources said Shaheen not only helped arrange the rifle and freezer but also tapped her network to mobilise funds for the purchase of arms and ammunition. Sources added that the possible links could be through Afirah Bibi, the wife of Jaish commander and Pulwama attack mastermind Umar Farooq. Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish chief Masood Azhar, was killed in an encounter in the wake of the 2019 Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). “The AK-56 recovery from Adeel’s locker is a crucial link. It highlights the level of planning, financing and operational readiness of the module,” an official said. The probe also revealed that Umar had extensively studied bomb-making tutorials, manuals and open-source content online and was given directions by handlers from Turkiye. He allegedly sourced chemical ingredients from Nuh, electronic components from Bhagirath Palace in Delhi and Faridabad’s NIT Market and used the freezer to stabilise and process the explosive mixture. Sources added that tensions had erupted between the accused inside Al-Falah University premises over money matters, an altercation witnessed by several students. After the clash, Umar reportedly handed over his red EcoSport—already loaded with explosive material—to Muzammil.
